Chris Powell has explained to Leeds United what they must do to get the best out of new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It wasn’t the debut of dreams for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as he missed several great chances and a penalty as Leeds United crashed out of the Carabao Cup.
Despite going up against a troubled Sheffield Wednesday, with a team mostly made up of teenagers, Daniel Farke’s side put in an uninspired display.
Jayden Bogle’s has to strike late to level the scores after Karl Darlow had allowed a tame Jamal Lowe effort in through his legs.
Leeds pushed for a winner but Calvert-Lewin missed three golden opportunities before then going on to sky his penalty well over the bar in the resulting shootout.
With Joel Piroe and Sean Longstaff also missing, Leeds failed to score in penalties for the first time in their history and were beaten 3-0.
Calvert-Lewin’s unfortunate start to life in a Leeds shirt was the hot topic after the game, but Chris Powell believes he is still a ‘smart’ signing for the club.
- Who is Dominic Calvert-Lewin? The former Everton striker who joined Leeds United on a free transfer
Chris Powell gives verdict on Dominic Calvert-Lewin signing
Speaking on Sky Sports punditry duty after the match, former Wednesday assistant manager Powell said he thinks Calvert-Lewin is a shrewd pick-up for Leeds.
The striker was signed on a free transfer following his release from Everton but Powell believes he must get regular minutes if he is to find his top form.
Powell said: “He’s a good signing for them.
“I think he’s a clever signing. Free transfer. But he needs to play regularly.
“At Everton, injuries, stop-start. I think it’ll be a good signing for them.”
Farke said he was ‘happy’ that Calvert-Lewin was in position to get the chances and believes he would have scored them if 100% fit.
Who should Leeds United play up front against Newcastle United?
It’s still early in the season, of course, but it already feels like Leeds need to give a big response when they face Newcastle United at the weekend.
After a humbling battering at Arsenal and a humiliating cup exit, a victory is required to get the positivity back at Elland Road.
It’s an especially good time to face Newcastle as they will be without the crucial trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Fabian Schar amid Alexander Isak’s continued exile.
The pressure is on the players but also on Farke to get the starting XI right, and who plays up front will be a vital call.
Piroe has yet to take to the Premier League in his first two games, while Calvert-Lewin is almost certainly not fit enough to start in the top flight.
That leaves Lukas Nmecha as the obvious answer, with his physical prowess and good hold-up play the best weapon to deploy against Newcastle’s burly back-line.
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